Meeting Marquis South Yorkshire

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By William Coleman

Like many people who adore the touring holidays a trip to a dealership is always an exciting day out. Mine was made even more exciting as I knew that I would be walking away with 67 plate Auto-Sleeper Kingham, so to say that I was a little on the happy side may have been a slight understatement.

I made my way from London to South Yorkshire at around 6am, as I wanted to make the most of the day once I picking up my touring home. After a 4 or so hour drive I arrived at the Marquis South Yorkshire branch. I was worried that the weather was not going to hold up but the sun was shining very bright when I arrived which made the white sparkle of the caravans and motorhomes that much better. There really is nothing like motorhome shopping on a bright sunny day.

The dealership was a hive or activity and had a really good buzz. Which I feel is such an important part of the buying process. Many times in the past I have walked into a dealership or forecourt and either not been greeted, sometimes not at all, which makes me instantly lose interest. Everyone seemed genuinely happy to be at work, which makes you feel very reassured that you’re at a dealership where people care.

I was greeted by Martin, who is in charge checking the vehicles before they leave the forecourt. Martin also ensures that before the customers leave they have a clear understanding of how the vehicles operates. Although I had been in a fair few leisure vehicles over the years I had never used a van conversion so I was more than happy to be given the tutorial.

First of all Martin showed me around the Kingham just to give me an idea of the overall size and shape of the van. One thing that stood out to me was just how much Auto-Sleeper have been able to fit into the Kingham, without removing anything or condensing the practical space inside the living quarters. Auto-Sleeper is known for the quality build and the luxury of their touring homes and the Kingham stands out as a luxury.

So once me and Martin gave it a once over he then showed me some of the technical details I would need to know before setting off, and this is where I really impressed. I knew that Auto-Sleeper would not skimp on anything at all when it comes to adding the highest if quality fixtures. I won’t go into too much detail at this stage but let’s just say all the industry leading manufacturers are present. So once I was shown where all the hookups and pipes were I was then shown, in great detail, how to use them. There were a few subtle differences but anyone who is a seasoned tourer should have no trouble transferring their knowhow from a motorhome or caravan to a van conversion.

After this we moved to the inside of the Kingham. Once inside I instantly fell in love with it and could not stop thinking about all the little getaways this van conversion could make possible. For something the size of a long wheelbase van it really does have everything you need and it is clear it has been built for luxury not utility. I must admit that before collecting the Kingham I did have an image in mind of what I could find. I was wrong. This has everything a touring home needs and it is presented in style. Again I will not go into too much detail as the full review is not finished. Once I was shown how to use the washroom and cooking facilities I was ready to go. On my way out was introduced the the dealership manager, Andrew. The paper work was completed and so my adventure began.

Stay tuned for more coverage over the next few days.

CaravanTimes V-Line Sport Teaser

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By William Coleman

We get a little sneak peek at the AutoTrail V-Line Sport 365 as CaravanTimes presenter extraordinaire Alessi goes into the field with two extreme sport enthusiasts.

This is only a small preview of the V-Line but the video does give a good insight into the wide range of activities that owning a camper can provide. One of the main selling points for me is the maneuverability of the V-Line, which is something that our two extreme guys loves about this model. I won’t go into too much more detail as this is just a teaser so be sure to check back next week when we present the full feature length video article.

Creative Camper For Your UTV

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By William Coleman

I am always on the lookout for something wacky, and creative and I think I have found the perfect combo of convenient and fun. The quad buggy with sleeping quarters is a sight to behold.

The CAMPLITE hard sided UTV camper has been designed using a Aluminum and Composite build. The sidewalls and floor are all formed using aluminum and even the cabinet framing uses the same materials. For anyone who may worry about the structural integrity of the dwelling the roof is vacuum bond laminated for high grade strength and durability.

At this stage it is unclear if this is going to go into production or be halted at the concept stages of development. I can see this being a lot more popular in places like the USA or Australia. The UTV market is a lot smaller in the UK than in bigger farming countries.

Having spent a fair bit of time on quad bikes and other types of UTV I can see the appeal of something like this. But if I’m being totally honest with myself I cannot see this ever going into production. The main reason being the size of it, how could you actually sleep in something the size of a large quad bike? It really does not seem like the most comfortable night’s sleep you could have under the stars.

It does look fake but it does look fun.

CAMCs French Touring Guide

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By William Coleman

As much as there is to do in the glorious shores of the UK there is still a lot of fun to be had just cross the pond in sunny old France. Now The Caravan and Motorhome Show are expanding their holiday experiences to several places throughout France. If you want to take a stroll around the streets of Paris or tour around the Loire Valley. The Club are ensuring that will ne something to suit everyone’s tastes.

Travel independently to France with your caravan, motorhome or campervan and meet with fellow Francophiles to discover some of France’s best known sites as well as going off the beaten track with a knowledgeable guide.

Here are four of the Club’s most popular French tours for 2018:

Paris City Break

A firm favourite with old romantics, Paris is one of the world’s best loved cities. The city provides the hustle and bustle of any capital city but also the option of some down time with a river cruise along the Seine. The 5-night escorted tour with the Caravan and Motorhome Club includes a visit to the Palace of Versailles, hop on-hop off bus tour around Paris’ major landmarks, as well as time to explore the most famous street in Paris, the Champs-Elysees. The tour will be based at Camping Indigo Paris which is situated alongside the River Seine and is only a 20 minute drive to the Eiffel Tower. This campsite has great facilities that will keep everyone entertained with a games room, play area, restaurant, takeaway and bike hire available on site.

From £689 based on two people and a caravan or motorhome travelling 19 May 2018

Picturesque Provence

Located in the heart of south-eastern France, visitors always fall in love with Provence. Famed for its historic sites and seas of lavender fields, the region is popular in summer with its hot temperatures and location on the Mediterranean Sea. The 15-night escorted tour with the Club includes a visit to Valsaintes Abbey, Pont d’Arc Cave and Gorges du Verdon. This tour provides the best of both worlds with the chance to stay at two of the best campsites on the network. The first eight nights are spent at Camping l’Hippocampe with over 28 acres of land. This site is set alongside the River Durance and is within walking distance from Volonne, a beautiful village nearby. The additional seven nights are spent at Camping Les Ranchisses, which boasts a mix of sports facilities like mini golf and tennis courts, a restaurant serving local cuisine, spa and extensive swimming pools.

From £1,425 based on two people and a caravan or motorhome travelling 21 June 2018

Châteaux of the Loire

In the heart of central France, the Loire Valley offers a combination of stunning scenery and a region steeped in history. The area is renowned for its array of vineyards, orchards and Châteaux bordering the banks of the Loire River. The 11-night tour with the Caravan and Motorhome Club is a great opportunity to explore the ‘Garden of France’ with its wine tasting activities and picturesque old towns. This tour includes an 11 night camping stay at Les Saules which is great for those who like active adventure, as it has a fitness trail and nature trail on site. Popular with nature lovers, over 50 species of birds have been seen from the site.

From £985 based on two people and a caravan or motorhome travelling 6 June 2018

Lot, Corrèze and Dordogne

Now in its second year, this tour is back by popular demand. The landscapes of Lot, Corrèze and Dordogne are just waiting to be explored. This scenic French area is best known for their tasteful wines, delightful cuisine and medieval history. This 12-night escorted tour includes a visit to the underground lakes and rock formations of the Gouffre de Padirac and a stop at the famous market of Sarlat where visitors can try local delicacies. This tour will stay at Domaine de la Paille Basse which is located in a beautifully restored medieval village. As a rural and secluded site, it is idyllic for those wanting to switch off at the end of a busy day exploring.

From £1,079 based on two people and caravan or motorhome travelling 8 May 2018

So for anyone who wants to take a tour of France be sure to check out what The Caravan and Motorhome Club has to offer. If we have a great summer across Europe, like we did last year, then a guided tour seems like an amazing idea to me.

Badger Puts Halt To Leisure Vehicle Storage Plans

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By William Coleman

When it comes to expanding your business you have to take a lot of things into consideration. There is the time, the money and then the impact it will have will have on the surrounding area. This company has run into a little four legged black and white snag. Otherwise known as a badger.

The owner of Forest View farm wants to expand his farm to include a site for caravan storage, but is in need of permission as part of a diversification of the land off Peckleton Lane in Desford. His initial plans of creating a 160 pitches on his 0.98 hectare site has had a real spanner thrown in the works by a cete of badgers.

Badgers have been a protected species in the UK since 1992. The act also protect the land that they live on and use as a habitat. The necessary act that protects the badger means the site will only be able to built with the capacity of 121 vehicles, and that is if the approval is actually given.

The farm was left to Roger Neep, who inherited the farm and its land in the mid 2000s, and has been running the farm as an arable operation, which has not seen the best success. Roger intends to turn the business around with the addition of the new camp site.

The agents for the land prepared a statement in support of the park extension: “It was identified at the time that alternative means of income to secure the future of the farm were needed. Alternative commercial use of the barns within the existing farmyard was secured which has brought in much needed income to support revenue from the farming operation.

While the financial situation of the farming has improved the applicant has identified that further diversification is necessary to continue to support the farming enterprise and to further future proof the far.”

The caravan storage area would sit adjacent to the farmyard commercial centre. There is already a HGV/haulage company, staircase manufacturer and glass fibre manufacturer located on the property.

The planning statement says that the site has the appearance of waste ground and has been used as a dumping area for battered farming vehicles, heavy rubble and waste soil. So not the most positive of statements. The early plans by Hinckley and Bosworth was to have the pitches created over two phases.

The ecological reports that were completed on the site revealed the active presence to badgers. Due to the badgers taking up residence on the site it means that the amount of fans would be cut down to avoid any interference with the animals. There would need to be a 15 meter buffer between the storage area and the location of the badger sets.

Due to the laws protecting the badgers you can find yourself with fines of £5000 and even prison time should you be prosecuted for harming the animals or damaging their setts.

There was an original application for permission, that was withdrawn last summer, but now a new one has been re-submitted for a smaller development.

CaravanTimes Presents – 5 Easter Caravanning `facts`

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Easter inspiration.

By Dan Cartwright

In-line with the forthcoming easter bank holiday we know your bags are already packed and your plans made so we thought we would do something a little bit different with some interesting easter trivia for your journey.

1. The first easter egg was produced by Fry’s of Bristol in 1873. As we all know Bailey caravans and motorhomes are made in Bristol close to the old Fry’s site but unfortunately they are made out of Alu-Tech rather than Chocolate… which leads on to your next interesting easter fact…

2. The tallest easter egg recorded was made in Italy in 2011 and dwarfs just about any caravan on the market today. The egg was 10.39 meters tall and weighed 7200KG. We assume this was a hollow egg so presumably a hot knife and you could install some windows and doors and use it as a caravan.. you’re gonna need one big tow car though.

3. Americans love Jelly Beans at easter and consume more than 16 million jelly beans over the Easter weekend. That’s enough Jelly beans that laid end-to-end would wrap around the world. The UK’s consumption is unknown but if you want an easter challenge then a jelly bean is 2cm and the average single axle caravan is 6 meters so if you eat 300 jelly beans you will have eaten the length of your caravan this easter.

4. Easter ethics… When it comes to Chocolate bunnies 76% of people eat the ears first but more than that, Florida state this year re-legalised the dying of chickens for easter. So if you are touring in florida and you see what looks like a tandoori chicken walking around – that’s all fine.

5.Easter is celebrated at different times by Eastern and Western Christians. That’s because the dates for Easter in Eastern Christianity are based on the Julian Calendar. Whilst this is ecclesiastically contentious and has been for many decades between the two churches it does mean that if you’re big in to Easter you can organise a motorhome or caravan road trip across europe to celebrate two Easters.

The Caravan Camping And Motorhome Show 2018

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By William Coleman

I love the NEC show which takes place twice a year and it is returning to Birmingham once again. It is a fantastic place to find so many new and exciting things that are going on in the industry as well as speaking to exhibitors and the general public. Plus it gives me a chance to spend a week jumping in and out hundreds of different leisure vehicles, pods, tents and every other type of new touring accommodation.

So what are some of this years highlights to look out for ahead of the show? The brand new Colorado from Adria’s Alpine will certainly have heads turning. With a modern design that features a large front lounge and kitchen as well as twin fixed single beds and an end washroom. This model is perfect for those who want more space when on their staycation.

Lunar Caravans will be displaying their new TR layout on an 8 foot wide bodyshell. I spent quite a while looking at this model at the Manchester show a couple of weeks ago and I can see why this model is so popular. The amount of extra room it provides is staggering with a living room area that has to be sat in to be believed, so make sure you spend some time with the Lunar team at their stand.

Other caravan manufacturers and dealers appearing at the show include Swift, which displays redesigned options across its Sprite and Conqueror ranges. Bailey also exhibits, showcasing its latest generation of Unicorn caravans, and Coachman brings three exceptional caravan models from its Vision and Pastiche ranges as well as the newly-launched VIP.

Now onto the tents and camping, something that took an upswing during the later months off 2017 despite the chilly weather. Kampa will be launching its new 20018 range of AIR and poled-tent models. We also have a show exclusive debut product at the show, the Travel Pod Touring Callic AIR VW. This is a standalone tent that sits comfortably next to your leisure vehicle which makes it an ideal awning for those who want a quick and convenient set up.

Outdoor Revolution showcases its new Evora 390 ProClimate, a spacious awning for larger groups, while four new awnings are introduced to Isabella Awnings’ Ventura AIR range including the Ventura Trinus 400, Ventura Cito 350, Ventura Vivo and Ventura Simplex.

Our motorhome enthusiasts are in for a treat too, as Auto-Sleeper unveil their all new MPV Camper which is based on the Peugeot Traveller. The new leisure vehicle comes with a stylish exterior design and an extensive specification. Lunar Motorhomes will be launching their Roadstar which is a 4 berth SB that also features their fixed single bed and end washroom design.

For those who want the luxurious motorhome can get in in depth look at Adria’s premium Sonic Supreme A-Class. The range features the 810 SL models that comes features a large garage under a king size bed.

So once you have decided on what accomodation type to go away in you now need to find a location to stay. Or for those who simply want to plan a getaway in there are glamping pods, lodges and statics homes on display at the show. ABI will be displaying their new 2018 season lodges: The Malham and The Ambleside, and on top of that they will be exclusively revealing two brand new products at the show. Both the 14ft Artisan Lodge and first-ever twin unit, the Wyndham Lodge will be on full display.

A huge range of accessories are also on offer and provide everything needed for a camping or leisure vehicle holiday. Destination inspiration is aplenty with a variety of options across both the UK and Europe.
With interactive activities for all, the Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show 2018 is the ideal event for a fun and family-friendly day out. Tickets are now available at www.ccmshow.co.uk and by phone on 0844 873 7333. Advance prices start from £7.00*, with children 15 and under entering free.

Interview Exclusive With CAMCs Head Of Communications And Events

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By William Coleman

Last week I ventured up to Manchester to the Caravan and Motorhome show to speak first hand with senior members of the Caravan and Motorhome Club about what they had in store for their members during 2018.

So with both the Scottish and Birmingham NEC Caravan and Motorhome shows only a handful of weeks away I wanted to speak with The Club about how they prepare for the show and what it means to them to have such a presence.

As an industry leading holiday provider I feel they do a great job with communicating with their customers, and the public in general. So here is my interview with CAMC’s very own Brian Morgan.

The Club always have such an impressive stand and presence at the shows. How far in advance does the planning start?

It’s an ongoing process, we exhibit at both NEC shows, Manchester and Glasgow, as well as a number of outdoor shows and events throughout the year. We are always in ‘show mode’!

What goes into making sure you have something for everyone at the show?

We make sure we have details of all Club products and services available for show visitors, we can help them from the very first stages with inspiring them to choose the right leisure vehicle for their touring group, to sharing ideas of where they could have their adventures and giving them help and advice along each step of the way and, of course, make their actual holiday bookings for them. Our show staff have such a vast amount of knowledge and experience and they love being at the shows and talking to people. We really do have a great team, not only at the shows but at head office and throughout the site network.

It is quite clear that The Club invest heavily in listening to their members, how can members communicate with you so they are heard?

It’s really important for us to listen to our members to hear about what they want and need from us. We have our Club Together forum with over 400k registered users, our social platforms are a great way for members and future members to interact with us, we carry out regular research and surveys with our members to hear from them – first-hand – about their views. Our Magazine is also a great source of information for members. And, most importantly, we act upon this information we receive. We provide over 60 relevant member offers (everything from discounts on outdoor clothing, fuel discounts, unbeatable ferry offers), our ongoing sites investment programme, we represent the members views through parliamentary channels and other associated bodies such as Transport for London and the FIA to name but a few.

As Matt Allwright said at the Manchester show, ‘there’s nowhere our members haven’t been’ and we are keen to provide the platforms for members to share their knowledge and experiences as they, in turn, inspire others to have great adventures.

At the Manchester show you had Matt Allwright open the show and do a acoustic set with his band ‘The Walnuts’. Will we see Matt again in Birmingham this February?

Yes! Matt will be with us on Club Day (Tuesday 20 February), he will again be hosting a series of informative forums for show visitors. Matt is a Club member and really enjoys getting away with his family in his campervan.

The shows are a fantastic way for members, new and old, to have face to face interaction with key members of The Club. What aspect of meeting the public do you enjoy the most?

You will always find me at the front of the stand, encouraging people to come and say hi to our team. I really do enjoy that aspect of my job. It’s so important to get to meet and talk to people, face to face, you can’t beat it.

And lastly what can we expect from you guys at this years Glasgow or the NEC shows?

We are heading to Glasgow soon, it really is a terrific show. We will be opening the show on Club Day with our Director General, Nick Lomas, the show Director, Jamie Taylor, and there will be a performance for show visitors by a really talented local quartet called the Capella String Quartet, so if anyone is in the area, come and say hi. And then we are at the NEC, Matt Allwright will be with us and we will have an exciting announcement to make, so make sure you are there on Club Day!

Top Site Has Heated Pool Microbrewery And A Golden Award

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By William Coleman

The Peak District has a lot to offer. The views, the woodland, the pubs, the sites and now it had another David Bellamy award to add to its everlasting drawing power.

The family run Callow Top Holiday Park recently celebrated a David Bellamy Conservation Award win and toasted their success in parks very own, and highly acclaimed, micro brewery.

The world famous botanist David Bellamy had high praise for the site which is one of rural Derbyshire’s largest and most highly-rated touring parks. Callow Top was described by Professor Bellamy in his citation as “a wildlife wonderland”.

The business owners Alan and Jill Palmer first open their doors to camping guests over 40 years ago, back when the location was used as a sheep and cattle smallholding.

The park has a stunning location overlooking the Dove Valley, and is very close to some of the Peak District’s best natural wonders and attractions. The park soon gathered a loyal following and sees a many repeat customers each season.

Callow Top provides 350 pitches for touring caravans, motorhomes and tents in a peaceful rural setting. If you not own a form or touring accommodation you needn’t because they also have holiday cottages and apartments available.

Despite the parks growth over the past 4 decades Alan says that both he and the family have strived towards maintaining a positive impact on the natural world that surrounds them. The family business have never wanted their expansion to negatively impact nature for the purpose financial growth.

Callow Top is a paradise for the local wildlife. Making sure that the list of measures taken are always executed so that the site’s native plants and animals are have a top notch and 5 star treatment. Much like the guests that keep visiting year after year.

Bellamy had high praise for all of the efforts the family have made but one stuck out to him. He was blown away the 4 spring fed fishing pond which is a natural magnet for many different birds, as well as dragonflies and other aquatic life.

There is also a bird hide on site which allows visitors and guests to do a spot of bird watching. The site has a wide range of different species and the park works closely with Peak District National Park rangers to monitor wildlife numbers.

Alan, Jill and their children, who are now adults themselves, hae planted hundreds of tree and shrubs in the grounds to ensure that the wildlife have breeding habitats readily available.

David Bellamy highlighted the abundance of high nectar-bearing wild flowers on the park which attract many different types of butterfly as well as honey bees and other pollinators.

His also applauded the park’s shielded illumination which minimises light pollution, and provides visitors with the best views of the Peak District’s star-studded night skies.

According to Alan, the park’s new green award will be a spur to even more wildlife initiatives:

“We’ve always felt very privileged to live and work in such a beautiful part of Derbyshire, and have always tried to ensure that the park is a match for these beautiful surroundings,” he said.

“Callow Top has long had a special appeal to guests seeking a perfect escape in a tranquil setting, and it’s also a great place for children to come and learn more about the natural world.

“It’s fantastic that our conservation work is being supported by someone like David Bellamy, and everyone here is delighted that we have received his top conservation award,” added Alan.

Facilities at Callow Top include a popular heated outdoor pool, games areas, a shop featuring locally sourced produce, and the park’s Callow Inn and restaurant.

Guests can also drink in more than the inn’s traditional surroundings, for the beer on tap is from the park’s own Bad Ram micro brewery whose ales have won honours at major beer festivals.

There is more information about the park and its facilities at www.callowtop.co.uk

Highlands Park Turns 50 With An Award Win

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By William Coleman

As it enters its 50th year of operation this Highlands park has received high praise as they bag a golden award for their care and dedication to the countryside.

The family run Resipole Farm Holiday Park in Argyle will be celebrating their golden anniversary this year as they reach the 50 year milestone. Add to that their recent David Bellamy Conservation Award win, at its top golden level, and it double gold for the North Highland site.

World renowned botanist David Bellamy could not give high enough praise to the Sinclair family for their hard work and dedication they’ve show towards keeping the wildlife and natural environment safe with their many green initiatives. A topic that saw a lot of attention come award season as many parks across the UK did their best to go green and protect Mother Nature.

Rory and Karin Sinclair manage the multi-award winning site which was started by Rory’s grandfather almost 50 years ago. The site opened in the early 1950s and started welcoming guests who wanted to camp at the farm.

The site is located on a spot with a view that really has to be seen to be believed, postcards makers would be envious of the snaps holidaymakers can take when visiting. The park is set on the banks of Loch Sunart which is an idyllic location for couples and families who want to spent their holidays in one of Scotland’s most beautiful locations.

After opening for campers the location was officially designated as a holiday park back in 1968. Since then the site has grown significantly with the addition of touring pitches, activities and self catering stays in luxury lodges. The financial investment, along with hard work, has made this site a must visit.

Their hard work has certainly paid off. Each year the site has seen an increase in visitors from both the UK and overseas. Along with a whole host of national awards for the parks high standards.

Rory, who runs the park alongside his parents Peter and Joke and his aunt Fiona, said the family has always tried to ensure that Resipole remains a haven for wildlife. Deer, red squirrels, badgers, and a myriad of bird species are drawn to the 15-acre grounds which includes an ancient woodland with a nature discovery trail.

To ensure that the wildlife has enough natural habitat to roam the Sinclairs have planted hundreds of native trees and shrubs. These serve as perfect environment for breeding and food sources for the surrounding wildlife.

David Bellamy highlighted the abundance of high nectar-bearing wild flowers on the park which attract many different types of butterfly as well as honey bees and other pollinators.

Professor Bellamy praised too the absence of harmful chemical fertilisers on the park, and the use of water from its own bore-hole which is shared with neighbours.

His award also applauded the park’s shielded illumination to minimise light pollution, and provide the best view of the night sky in which the Northern Lights can sometimes be seen.

According to Rory, Resipole has always had a special appeal to lovers of natural beauty who value away-from-it-all stays in tranquil and unspoilt surroundings:

“Even though our family has been here for many decades, we still feel very privileged to be able to live and work in the beautiful part of the West Highlands,” he said.

“Perhaps because of our farming background, we’ve always been concerned to manage Resipole in a sustainable way, and it’s great to be doing so with the support of David Bellamy.

“We are all looking forward to our fiftieth celebrations next year, and welcoming back many of our loyal guests, some of who first visited as children and now have their own families,” added Rory.

Park Raised 13k For Carers

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By William Coleman

Hendra Holiday Park in Newquay have two very special sisters who have inspires the masses and pulled of a fantastic fundraising charity success. The pair managed to raise a staggering £13,000 for Cornwall Hospice Care.

Emma and Lydia Sandry, who both work at Hendra Holiday Park, sadly lost their mother Judy in 2016 to a terminal illness. The two have explained that their mother’s final days were made a lot better due to care she received from staff and work of hospice carers. Once the family who own the Hendra park about Emma and Lydia’s story they made the decision to choose Cornwall Hospice Care as their chosen charity for 2017.

Once the choice was made it sparked a year long fundraising scheme that involved staff and holiday makers, which ranged from fun events to voluntary donations from customers who book with the customer.

After all the donations were in and tallied up, in January of this year, the total raised amounted to £13,252.22! This is now being used to support the hospice staff.

The Director of Hendra, Janine Hyatt, has said that fantastic outcome is a reflection of the hard work that the staff and managers put in to the fundraising project. Everyone, said Janine, deserved a big pat on the back for their fantastic efforts.

The representatives from Cornwall Hospice Care visited the park in January so they could be presented with the fantastic donation. Among them was mid Cornwall community fundraiser Judy Lawton.

Judy told Hendra’s staff and directors that the sum would provide a substantial and much-needed boost to the charity’s work in supporting patients and their families.

She said that the hospice relied heavily on donations to maintain round-the-clock specialist care for people suffering a terminal illness in hospitals, care homes and the community.

Emma Sandry said that she and her sister had been amazed at just how much had been raised:

“Lydia and I are overwhelmed at just how generous everyone has been, and at the enormous efforts which went in to achieving the final total,” she said.

“Cornwall Hospice Care gave such great support to our mum and our family, and made a positive impact on everyone’s lives during the final weeks.

“Mum’s final wish was that we would do all we could to help their invaluable work – and we know that she would be bursting with happiness!” added Emma.

Now the park is getting ready for a fresh round of fundraising activities in 2018 with Macmillan Nurses being named as the adopted charity for the year.

In 2017, Hendra Holiday Park was named as Holiday Park of the Year for both Cornwall and for South West England.

The long-established business, which has a host of attractions including an award-winning pools complex, provides a wide range of accommodation to rent plus touring pitches.

UK To Be 2018 Holidaymaker Top Destination

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By William Coleman

Well, it’s official. The UK has now become a top player for this years go to holiday destination. Something we Brits knew all along.

ABTA, the travel trade association, have revealed that the UK is set to be the holidaymakers hotspot in 2018 as 66% of the British people are choosing to stay at home for their holiday time. 14% are looking to travel to North America in 2018.

The year 2017 brought the UK a huge wave of success in the leisure industry and proved to be extremely popular with both UK residents and visitors from overseas. We saw British adults take an average of 2.1 UK holidays at home, which was up from the 2016 numbers. The numbers were even higher when it came to families with children of 5 or under took 2.7 UK breaks. UK holidays with adults ages between 35-44 took 2.5 staycation in the same year.
With UK holidays growing in popularity comes the amount of money that will be saved for these holidays. Research shows that 31% of people are putting money aside specifically for their 2018 holidays. 47% of people surveyed said they are hoping to use the same budget as last year, whereas 14% plan to be a bit more thrifty and plan to spend less.
The numbers are already starting to rise as The Camping and Caravanning Club report a 10% increase in bookings, when compared to 2017, across its 106 club campsites for the 2018. 2017 was the best ever year for tent camping, according to the figures from the Camping and Caravanning Club, with a 13% rise from the numbers 2016 brought in. On top of that the leisure vehicle holiday numbers skyrocketed with an 11% growth.
Commenting on the rise of UK holidaying, Jenny Summers, Group Marketing Director of the NCC (National Caravan Council), the UK’s trade body for the tourer, motorhome and caravan holiday home industries said: “Sales of both motorhomes and caravans were up in 2017, with motorhome registrations rising by 14.9% and tourer factory dispatches to dealers increasing by 8.7%. This clearly demonstrates the continuing popularity of using a leisure vehicle to explore the UK and beyond.”
These figures prove just how big the growth of the British tourism industry is and will surely make the NCC’s February Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show a must attend event. We will be there bringing you some exclusive content. We attended the sister show back in October along with another 101,583 visitors.
Taking place at Birmingham’s NEC between 20 and 25 February, the Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show 2018 brings together over 370 exhibitors and is the UK’s largest showcase of caravans, campervans, motorhomes, caravan holiday homes and lodges as well as new season tents, trailer tents and folding caravans.
The family-friendly event features a variety of holiday destinations and trip options. Show sponsor Freedom to Go is on hand to help visitors plan their next adventure and the leisure vehicle industry’s two largest clubs, The Camping and Caravanning Club and Caravan and Motorhome Club also provide advice and inspiration for all.